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About this quote

What does it mean?
A paleontological joke suggests mammalian evolution is simply about teeth changing slightly over time.
In plain terms
Scientists joke that mammal evolution is just about teeth evolving.
What can you take from it?
Use humor to simplify complex scientific concepts.

Where it applies

  • classrooms
  • scientific writing
  • pub talk

Putting it to work

  • share scientific jokes
  • explain evolution simply

Questions to consider

  • What makes teeth so important?
  • How do we simplify science?

Another view

Teeth are only one part of mammalian evolution.

More from Stephen Jay Gould

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  3. [C]ontingency is a thing unto itself, not the titration of determinism by randomness.

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